HKT has announced its partnership with HSBC to further develop Near Field Communications (NFC)-based credit card mobile payment services.

The partnership between HKT and HSBC will adopt the proven security of Single Wire Protocol (SWP)-SIM cards which serve as the secure element for storing payment applications running on a mobile phone. PCCW-HKT’s SWP-SIM can carry different credit cards issued by partnered banks.

The HSBC service is expected to be launched in early 2014. After installing the HSBC Mobile Banking app, PCCW-HKT customers can enjoy the convenience of hassle-free mobile payment services with a range of HSBC credit cards by tapping their NFC-enabled mobile phones over an NFC reader at retail outlets to effect payment.

Alex Arena, group managing director, HKT said, “HKT pledges to keep continuous service innovations in order to enrich the lifestyle of our customers. Our partnership with HSBC will enable customers who use credit cards of various issuers to enjoy the convenience of secure mobile payments with more participating retail outlets.”

NFC mobile payment service is increasingly popular in Hong Kong, and more NFC compatible mobile phones are expected to be available soon.